Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
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French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain will lock horns with fellow giants Marseille in a first of the two Le Classique matches in a week’s time with minds set on the upcoming Champions League replay against Manchester United. And that’s exactly what Marseille will be hoping to exploit in a bit to close the gap behind the runaway Ligue 1 leaders.
French champions-elect Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed their domestic dominance this season with 22 wins and only 2 defeats after 26 rounds in Ligue 1. Unai Emery’s men have displayed a brilliant football thus far in the campaign on all fronts, stomping over anyone who dared to stand in their way – including the European giants Bayern Munich who suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Le Parisiens at the beginning of the Champions League group stage.
High-flying form had everyone smiling as PSG ran towards what is expected to be the year they finally make a big break in Europe following high investments during last summer. Eight goals past Dijon, four against the likes of Montpellier and Socheaux did not paint a true picture of PSG’s strength this season however. The 3-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich at the closure of the group stage was a warning sign of things that came in a 3-1 slump at Real Madrid last week. Despite high expectations and heavy spending, PSG have once again been given a reality check against the out-of-form European champions who made it clear that French giants have more to grow in order to reach the highest level. PSG have a big chance to prove their worth, however, as they’re in for a highly anticipated double-header against Marseille before the rematch with Los Blancos and Unai Emery is keen to unleash the fury.
Team News
Kevin Trapp is out of contention with a red-card suspension whereas Hatem Ben Arfa is no longer in Unai Emery’s plans.
Yuri Berchiche is the only first-team regular to be unavailable from selection which means Emery will have nearly a full crop of players to choose from.
Marseille
French high-flying side Marseille will be losing no sleep over the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Braga in the second leg of their Europa League Last 32 tie during the week. With a comfortable 3-1 lead from the first leg, Rudi Garcia was given a privilege to rest some of his first-team stars and prepare his team for two more important challenges lying in front of his squad.
One of the biggest French clubs Marseille have been in fine form this season and their Braga defeat was the first slump since December 2017 and their Ligue 1 slump at Lyon. Led by the in-form Newcastle flop Florian Thauvin who’s been one of the standout performers in the entire league, Marseille are up in third place in the standings, a single point behind champions AS Monaco in second. Thauvin raked up no less than 15 goals thus far in the season and added five assists to his impressive tally. French winger is once again expected to be leading the line for Marseille against some more illustrious opponents who will be a proper test to his own credentials, and Marseille’s for that matter.
Team News
Florian Thauvin and Dimitri Payet are set to return to the first team after being rested against Braga.
Steve Mandanda and Kostas Mitroglu are unavailable through injury while Gregory Sertic is a huge selection doubt due to his knee injury.
Key Factors to Consider
PSG Marseille go head to head twice in a week’s time
Ligue 1 leaders boast a 13-point lead in front of Marseille
Florian Thauvin scored three goals in last 4 matches, 15 in total this season
Edinson Cavani is the league’s top scorer with 23 goals thus far
Marseille last beat PSG in 2011
Conclusion
PSG hold a huge upper hand over Marseille as they have yet to lose the Le Classique since November 2011. Marseille however will hope for a change in fortunes knowing their rivals will be heading in the forthcoming clash with their minds locked on the upcoming rematch with Real Madrid.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds:
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